The FIU Athletic Department and FIU alumnus David F. Alfonso ’96 have announced the exclusive naming rights for the Panther football team’s home field, which will now be called “Alfonso Field at FIU Stadium.”

“Although this is incredibly fulfilling for our family, this is solely about FIU and the path our athletic program is on to becoming national contenders,” said Alfonso, the chairman and chief executive officer of Empire Investment Holdings. “Support from alumni and friends keeps the University moving forward. Our support further inspires student-athletes, coaches and staff who work so hard to represent FIU with distinction and to engender a great sense of pride and excitement.”

The five-year deal will provide naming rights for FIU’s on-campus venue that annually plays host to entertainment and community-related events as well as FIU football.

“We are grateful with the level of support the Alfonso family has shown FIU Athletics,” FIU Athletic Director Pete Garcia said. “This is a perfect example of the commitment needed to build a winning program. David’s vision is on par with what we are looking to accomplish here at FIU. It only seems fitting that his name be associated with the athletic program. Alfonso Field at FIU Stadium continues to be the crown jewel of FIU Athletics.”

“We are thrilled that one of our very own grads is so excited that he is now giving back to our Athletics program” FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg said.

Alfonso Field at FIU Stadium will not only host all six of the Panthers’ home games this upcoming football season, it will also play host to a pair of CONCACAF Gold CupTM soccer matches this summer as Jamaica faces Guatemala and Grenada takes on Honduras June 10.

The 2011 FIU football season will kick off on Thursday, Sept. 1, versus North Texas at 7:00 p.m. For FIU football season ticket information call the FIU Ticket Office at 305-FIU-GAME or log onto www.FIUSports.com.

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